FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How Does MolecuLight i:X Detect Bacteria?
The device illuminates the wound with a narrow band of violet light that causes bacteria commonly found in and around wounds to fluoresce based on the presence of endogenous molecules called fluorophores (e.g. porphyrins, etc.).

Which Type of Bacteria Can Be Detected? Evidence from clinical studies indicates the MolecuLight i:X can reliably detect the following bacteria species that are relevant for clinical wound care:

Staphylocccus aureus

MRSA

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Escherichia coli

Coagulase-negative staphylococci

Enterococcus spp

Proteus spp

Klebsiella pneumonia

Beta-hemolytic streptococci (Group B)

Enterobacter spp

Is The Device Safe with Laser Light Exposure and Violet Light Illumination? Yes, the device is classified in Risk Group 1 and the laser is Class 1 meaning there is not sufficient energy produced to damage skin or eyes in normal use. It is advised to not point the device towards the eyes.

What Does It Mean That the Device Shows ‘Real-time’ Data? How long Does It Take to Get an Image? To obtain the fluorescent bacteria data no data processing nor contrast agents are required. The bacteria fluorescence shows up immediately on the screen when fluorescence mode is activated in a dark environment, similar to a point a shoot and camera where you can see what the image will look like on the screen before capturing the image. Fluorescence is instantaneous as long as the violet light is on and room light is dark.

Can I Miss Fluorescence if There is Blood in the Wound? Blood does not fluoresce. It also preferentially absorbs the excitation light thereby reducing the likelihood of (bacteria/tissue) fluorescence being generated. Bacteria covered by surface blood may be missed during FL (autofluorescence) imaging, but this is rare as most users remove blood during wound assessment (when possible). It is recommended that FL imaging be performed after (surface) blood has been removed from the wound bed and periwound areas.

How Deep Can the Device See Bacteria Beneath the Skin? The MolecuLight i:X can detect bacteria at the wound surface and 1-1.5 mm below the surface. When a wound is debrided using FL image guidance, the user can reveal deeper bacteria if it is there.

How Can the Device Help Prevent Infection? The MolecuLight i:X allows you to visualize the potentially harmful bacteria in the wound and periwound so you are able to apply treatment to the wound earlier to decrease bacterial load and prevent infection from developing.

Why Does the Device Need to be Used in the Dark? Room lighting can interfere with the fluorescence signal emitted from the bacteria that you’re trying to see. An ambient light sensor was implemented to inform the user if the room is dark enough.

How Do I Transfer Images? You can transfer the images from your device to any computer using the white MolecuLight i:X Connecting Cable. When plugged in, follow any prompts on the MolecuLight i:X Display Screen. The MolecuLight i:X will show up similar to a standard USB drive, where images/videos can easily be copied to the hard drive.